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One-Pan Sun-dried Tomato Pasta

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This One-Pan Sun-dried Tomato Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner hack that doesn't sacrifice flavor for convenience. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity - everything cooks together in a single skillet, meaning minimal prep work and almost no cleanup. The magic happens when the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all those rich flavors while simultaneously releasing starch that creates a naturally creamy texture. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet-tangy punch and depth that makes the dish taste like it took hours rather than minutes. The sauce comes together with pantry staples like chicken stock, butter, and half-and-half, creating a velvety base that coats each strand of pasta perfectly. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, this meal saves you on those nights when cooking feels impossible, yet still delivers restaurant-quality taste that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Keep these ingredients on hand for a back-pocket recipe that never disappoints.
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Ranah
Updated on Tue, 08 Apr 2025 18:00:50 GMT
One-Pan Sun-dried Tomato Pasta Pin it
One-Pan Sun-dried Tomato Pasta | lifesugar.co

This one-pan sun-dried tomato pasta transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort and cleanup. Unlike traditional pasta dishes that require multiple pots and steps, this streamlined recipe creates a silky sauce directly in the pan as the pasta cooks, absorbing all the rich flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic workweek when I needed something quick but satisfying. After experimenting with different pasta shapes and cooking methods, I was amazed at how the angel hair pasta created such a silky sauce by absorbing the flavored stock.

Perfect Ingredients

  • 8 ounces angel hair pasta: Creates the delicate base that cooks quickly
  • 2½ cups chicken stock: Provides the flavorful cooking liquid that becomes your sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create silky texture
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers aromatic foundation that infuses the entire dish
  • ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped: Contributes intense, sweet-tart flavor bursts

The quality of your sun-dried tomatoes significantly impacts the final dish. Look for tomatoes packed in oil rather than dry-packed varieties, as they're typically more tender and flavorful.

Simple Preparation

Pan Selection
Use a wide, high-sided skillet or sauté pan with a 10-12 inch diameter for even cooking.
Flavor Foundation
Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant, then add sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings.
Liquid Integration
Add chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer before adding half and half.
Pasta Addition
Submerge angel hair pasta in the simmering liquid and cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Final Touches
Remove from heat, stir in parmesan cheese, and let rest for one minute before serving.
Easy One-Pan Sun-dried Tomato Pasta Pin it
Easy One-Pan Sun-dried Tomato Pasta | lifesugar.co

I've made this pasta countless times, and I'm still amazed at how such a simple technique creates such a flavorful result. What I appreciate most is its adaptability.

Protein Pairings

Transform this versatile pasta into a complete meal by incorporating protein options that complement the sun-dried tomato flavors. For seafood lovers, quickly sauté large shrimp with a touch of garlic and lemon.

Fresh Additions

Enhance the vibrant flavors of this one-pan pasta with thoughtful additions that add color, texture, and nutritional value. For a peppery contrast, stir in several handfuls of fresh arugula just before serving.

Sauce Variations

Customize the base sauce to create entirely different flavor profiles while maintaining the convenient one-pan cooking method. For a luxurious finish, substitute mascarpone cheese for the half and half.

Make-Ahead Tips

Streamline your meal preparation with strategic make-ahead options that maintain the quality of this quick-cooking dish. For the most efficient prep, measure and prepare all ingredients in advance.

One-Pan Sun-dried Tomato Pasta Recipe Pin it
One-Pan Sun-dried Tomato Pasta Recipe | lifesugar.co

This one-pan sun-dried tomato pasta has become my signature "back-pocket" recipe for those evenings when I want something impressive without extensive effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, though angel hair works best because it cooks quickly. You can substitute spaghetti or bucatini, but you'll need to extend the cooking time by a few minutes. Shorter pasta shapes like penne would require adjusting the liquid amount and cooking time.
→ How do I prevent the half-and-half from curdling?
Make sure your half-and-half is at room temperature before adding it to the hot pan, and add it slowly while stirring. Also, avoid letting the mixture boil vigorously after adding the dairy - a gentle simmer is perfect.
→ Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage would be delicious additions. Add pre-cooked protein at the end just to warm through, or for raw proteins, cook them in the pan first, remove, and then add back in when you add the parmesan.
→ Is there a dairy-free version?
You can substitute the butter with olive oil, use coconut milk or a thick plant-based cream instead of half-and-half, and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
→ Why is my pasta too dry or too soupy?
Pasta can vary in how much liquid it absorbs. If your pasta is too dry, add more broth or half-and-half a little at a time. If it's too soupy, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer, or add a bit more parmesan cheese to help thicken the sauce.

One-Pan Sun-dried Tomato Pasta

This One-Pan Sun-dried Tomato Pasta is your answer to busy weeknights - creamy, flavorful, and ready in just 15 minutes with only one pan to wash.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Yield: 2 Servings (2 entree servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base ingredients

01 3 tablespoons butter
02 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 cups chicken stock or bone broth (bone broth adds extra protein)
04 ½ cup half and half or whole milk, room temperature
05 1 jar (8 oz) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
06 8 oz angel hair pasta
07 ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
08 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (optional for extra creaminess)

→ Seasonings

09 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10 ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
11 ¼ teaspoon salt
12 ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Let it sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned.

Step 02

Pour in the chicken stock, add the drained sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle in all the seasonings. Slowly pour in the half and half while stirring. Bring everything to a gentle boil.

Step 03

Add the angel hair pasta to the pan. Let it sit for about 30 seconds until it softens enough that you can gently push it down into the liquid without breaking it.

Step 04

Let the pasta cook in the simmering liquid for about 5 minutes. Then reduce the heat to a simmer. If you're using cream cheese, add it now and let it melt into the sauce. Continue cooking until the pasta reaches al dente texture.

Step 05

Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir it in. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. If the pasta has absorbed too much liquid, add a splash more chicken stock or half and half to loosen the sauce.

Step 06

Dish up your pasta while it's hot and enjoy! Garnish with extra parmesan or fresh herbs if you like.

Notes

  1. This pasta reheats well - just add a splash of chicken stock or half and half before microwaving to bring back the creaminess.
  2. You can use spaghetti or bucatini instead of angel hair, but you'll need to extend the cooking time a bit to reach al dente.
  3. For a vegetarian version, simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken stock.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or wide pot
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, half and half, parmesan, optional cream cheese)
  • Contains wheat/gluten (pasta)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 557
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
  • Protein: 9 g